What Does Medicare Cover for Podiatry? A Complete Guide

Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon — Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI. Last updated April 2026.

Medicare covers more podiatric services than most beneficiaries realize — but the rules about what’s covered are specific and often misunderstood. Here’s a comprehensive, accurate guide to Medicare podiatry coverage as of 2025.

Routine Foot Care: What Medicare Does NOT Cover

Medicare Part B does not cover “routine foot care” including:

• Trimming of nails for cosmetic purposes
• Treatment of flat feet or fallen arches without documented symptoms
• Treatment of calluses or corns without documented medical necessity
• General foot hygiene and preventive care for healthy feet

What Medicare Part B DOES Cover

Medically Necessary Foot Care

Medicare covers medically necessary podiatric treatment when documented conditions are present:

• Painful foot conditions — bunions, hammertoes, plantar fasciitis, heel pain, and other conditions causing documented pain and functional limitation
• Nail debridement — when nails are thickened, painful, or infected; documentation of medical necessity is required
• Wound care — treatment of foot ulcers, including debridement, dressings, and off-loading
• Fracture care — casting, surgical treatment, and follow-up for foot and ankle fractures
• Surgery — bunionectomy, hammertoe correction, and other foot surgeries when medically indicated

Diabetic Foot Care (Special Coverage)

Medicare provides significantly broader coverage for patients with diabetes who have peripheral neuropathy or peripheral vascular disease documented by their treating physician. Covered services include:

• Comprehensive diabetic foot exam — once per year (more frequently if active foot problems are present)
• Nail trimming and callus care — covered when diabetes with qualifying foot complications is documented
• Foot risk assessment — evaluation of neuropathy, vascular status, and wound risk

Medicare Therapeutic Shoe Program

One of the most underutilized Medicare benefits — eligible diabetic patients receive annually:

• One pair of extra-depth therapeutic shoes
• Three pairs of custom-molded insoles (or two pairs with custom-molded shoes)
• Coverage: Medicare pays 80% of approved amount after deductible; supplemental insurance typically covers the remaining 20%

Custom Orthotics Under Medicare

Medicare Part B covers custom foot orthotics (HCPCS codes L3000–L3485) when medically necessary and prescribed by a physician or podiatrist. Coverage requires documented medical necessity (e.g., plantar fasciitis, diabetic neuropathy, structural deformity causing functional limitation).

Medicare Advantage Plans

If you have a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan, your podiatric coverage may differ from original Medicare. Some MA plans offer enhanced podiatry benefits including routine nail care. Always verify with your specific plan before assuming coverage.

At Balance Foot & Ankle, We Accept Medicare

Dr. Biernacki at Balance Foot & Ankle is a Medicare-participating provider. We handle all Medicare billing and documentation directly, ensuring you receive the maximum benefits to which you’re entitled. Call (810) 206-1402 to schedule your Medicare-covered foot care appointment.

Medicare Podiatry Coverage — What’s Covered in Michigan

Wondering what podiatry services Medicare covers? Our office accepts Medicare and helps you understand your coverage for foot and ankle care.

Check Your Insurance Coverage & Costs → | Book Your Appointment | Call (810) 206-1402

Clinical References

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Medicare coverage of foot care services. CMS.gov, 2024.
2. American Podiatric Medical Association. Medicare coverage for podiatric services. APMA Position Statement, 2023.
3. Singh N, et al. Preventing foot ulcers in patients with diabetes. JAMA, 2005;293(2):217-228.

Your Board-Certified Podiatrists

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Board-Certified · FACFAS

Dr. Carl Jay, DPM

Board-Certified Podiatrist

Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM

Podiatrist

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM

Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a double board-certified podiatrist and foot & ankle surgeon at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has reached over one million views.